Friendship

“A good friend is like a four leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.”

–  Irish proverb

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Bright Stars

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Friends

Pic: (pixabay.com)

“When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.”

– Japanese proverb

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Choosing Friends

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Musings in November: Gratitude Notes

I'm grateful for the harvest from my garden this year.

There is beauty in simplicity. And that is the wonder of Thanksgiving. It doesn’t ask much of us besides giving thanks for the things that are precious to us….And maybe also gobble up some once-a-year food.

Gratitude is an attitude that has the power to enhance our lives. I like this quote on gratitude by Melody Beattie:

“It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

And so, this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for many things, including these:

• Family and friends who are always there for me; and

• “Little” things that bring big joy, like a perfect cup of tea, a good book, a good conversation, and seeing that wide-eyed, magical look on a cat’s face.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Musings in June: The Flow of Simplicity

Simplicity in nature can be translated into simplicity in our daily lives.

The bamboo – its heart is empty.

It has become my friend.

The water – its heart is pure.

It has become my teacher.

by Po Lo-t’ien

Bamboo symbolizes humility and simplicity, and water purity. And I love the beauty and wisdom of this poem when I came across it recently.

Along the journey of life, I have met people who assess and treat you on what you are – your position, bank account or where you live. And, on the other side, there are those who, like the bamboo, reach out to you on your humanity, just as another person.

(pic: cepolina.com)

The bamboo’s way is tons better. I’ve found that when you approach others with an open mind, paradoxical as it sounds, this attitude brings both tranquility and adventure. When one has less material requirements  to “filter” or view an acquaintance or another individual, the simplicity brings with it a certain kind of relaxation. And at the same time, it enables you to get to know a wider range of people, which equals more fun.

Divesting the mind of material judgements and self-serving motives can be a tough task, but I believe it  is worth pursuing.

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